City Talks will not be a traditional conference or a series of panel discussions. Each block will take the form of an open conversation, in which everyone present is encouraged to take part, including experts from Czechia and abroad.
City Talks will follow the Chatham House Rule, creating a safe space to openly share not only examples of good practice, but also challenges, dead ends and topics that rarely make it into public debate.
Programme
Discussion 1: Music vs. the City 10:00–12:00
The discussion will be held in English.
What makes a city a music city? A conversation about infrastructure, artist support, audiences, city identity and nightlife.
Recommended links on this topic:
Music Cities Network · UNESCO Creative Cities Network
Discussion 2: Cities & Music Venues 13:00–14:30
The discussion will be held in English.
What do cities need from music venues, and what do music venues need from cities? A discussion about everyday cooperation, shared responsibility and the conditions needed for long-term partnerships.
Recommended links on this topic:
Live DMA · Music Venue Trust · Agent of Change – UK Music
Discussion 3: Czech Models, Different Scales 15:00–16:30
The discussion will be held in Czech.
How does the concept of a music city change from a small town to a major city or region? The discussion will bring together practical experiences from different parts of Czechia.
Recommended links on this topic:
Cultural Policy of Prague 22+ · Cities After Dark – URBACT
Summary and Recommendations
The discussions will result in a shared summary and a set of practical recommendations for cities, cultural operators and policymakers.
City Talks will be followed by the ReConnect 2026 music conference and club festival.
You can register for one, two or all three discussions. Capacity is limited and participation will be confirmed by email after registration.
Register HERE.
More information and the full programme can be found HERE.
Organised by SoundCzech / National Institute for Culture (NIK) in cooperation with TIC BRNO.